Theatre students honored at American College Theatre Festival

VERMILLION, S.D. -- Students and faculty from the University of South Dakota Department of Theatre were honored last week at the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Lincoln, Neb.

Six students and a member of the USD Theatre faculty received certificates of commendation for their stage work during the 2012 academic year. Graduate student Gabe Gomez of Fargo, N.D. was recognized for scenic design on “Sweeney Todd” and for the design of projections and properties on “Brigadoon.” Callie Hisek, a graduate student from Ames, Iowa, was recognized for achievement in stage management of “Sweeney Todd”; and graduate student James Hovland of Yankton, S.D. received a certificate of commendation for lighting design on “Top Girls.” Professor of Theatre Tim Case was also honored for his work on “Top Girls,” receiving a certificate of commendation for scenic design. Undergraduates Sammi Geppart of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Cory Rush of Sturgis, S.D. were both recognized for their work on “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” for costume design (Geppart) and scenic design (Rush).

Additionally, Brian Muldoon of Sioux Falls, S.D. and his acting partner Jamie Fields of Bellevue, Neb. were part of a group of 64 actors (out of 325 competitors) who advanced to the semifinals of the Irene Ryan Acting Competition, and Brianna Adams of Lincoln, and Kristian Asfeldt and Steve Schaeffer of Sioux Falls participated in the festival’s Musical Theatre Intensive where 20 performers, selected from a group of 70 auditions, received coaching from industry professionals and later performed in a festival cabaret.

The 2013 regional festival brought close to 1,700 students from colleges and universities in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota to Lincoln to showcase their talents in all areas of theatre. Students also auditioned for summer employment opportunities and attended workshops throughout the week. For more information about University Theatre at USD, please visit www.usd.edu/theatre or call (605) 677-5418.

About The University of South Dakota

Founded in 1862, The University of South Dakota is designated as the only public liberal arts university in the state and is home to a comprehensive College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, the state's only School of Law, School of Medicine, the accredited Beacom School of Business and the College of Fine Arts. USD has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students taught by more than 400 faculty members. More information is available at www.usd.edu/press/news.

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